Chapter 52 Jealousy A hint of jealousy.

Chapter 52 A Twinge of Jealousy

Zhen Xi sat before her dressing table, gently caressing her face. The bruises had completely faded, and she’d applied an extra layer of rouge to bring some color back to her complexion. Yet, the former sparkle in her eyes was gone, replaced by a gloom that unsettled even her. She quickly forced a bright smile into the mirror, but it felt strained and unconvincing.

Frustrated and enraged, she hurled the rouge box at the mirror. She wanted to cry, but no tears came, only a couple of choked sobs.

How had it come to this? How had she become like this…

Suddenly, footsteps sounded outside. She quickly straightened up, adjusting her hair in the mirror, feigning an air of ease.

A maid entered, bowing her head. "Madam, a young lady is outside asking for you. She asked me to give you this hairpin."

Zhen Xi turned her head and saw a golden peony hairpin held in the maid’s hands. Her heart skipped a beat as she took it. "Where is she?"

"She said she’ll wait for you at the dessert shop you used to frequent."

Zhen Xi immediately rose. "Prepare the carriage."

The carriage stopped in front of the dessert shop. Zhen Xi alighted and saw Ren Hanzhen seated by the window. Ren Hanzhen noticed her too, and their eyes met in a shared smile.

Zhen Xi walked in and sat down at the table, taking out the hairpin. "I knew it was you," she said with a smile.

This hairpin had been a gift from Young Master Luo. When she left Brocade Tower, she had given all her jewelry to Ren Hanzhen and Zhang Jing.

Ren Hanzhen said softly, "Zhen Xi, I’m glad you came."

"What’s wrong? You don’t look well. Are you ill?" Zhen Xi asked with concern. Believing Ren Hanzhen had helped her in the past, she now felt a genuine connection only with her.

Tears welled up in Ren Hanzhen’s eyes. She quickly dabbed them away with a handkerchief and whispered, "Zhen Xi, please help me. You’re the only one who can now."

Remembering their old friendship, Zhen Xi took her hand, puzzled. "I heard you were selected as an embroiderer in the Imperial Palace’s Bureau of Palace Attendants."

At this, Ren Hanzhen lowered her head in pain, choking up. "Don’t ask."

Zhen Xi quickly said, "Alright, I won’t. How can I help you?"

Ren Hanzhen smiled through her tears, glancing at the maid behind Zhen Xi. Zhen Xi understood, asking Bai Tao to wait in the carriage.

The dessert shop was bustling with customers, and no one paid them any particular attention.

Ren Hanzhen then produced a slip of paper, gave Zhen Xi a meaningful look, and pushed it toward her.

Zhen Xi picked it up curiously. Her expression shifted from shock to disbelief, then gradually to excitement.

"Is this true? Yue Rongrong actually has an old flame in jail? She accompanied him all the way from Gusu to the capital?"

Ren Hanzhen affirmed, "It must be true. I found this note in the palace."

That humiliating night she would never forget—she was assigned to deliver clothes to Cangwu Palace and found this note in the garden. Reading its contents, she felt both nervous and excited.

When she entered the bedchamber, she realized the person inside was Shen Jichen. Startled and afraid, she noticed he seemed unusual, his outer robe already off and hanging aside, his partly open collar revealing a firm chest. She blushed deeply.

As if possessed, she walked over…

Later, she begged him desperately, even telling him Yue Rongrong loved someone else and didn’t deserve his affection, hoping to hurt him enough that he would take her instead.

Even in his obvious agony, his eyes held an icy anger. He grabbed her face, his hard fingers almost crushing her bones, his gaze full of contempt and disgust.

He said, "You’re not even worth one of Rong Rong’s fingers!"

A surge of humiliation washed over her. Ren Hanzhen closed her eyes tightly, clenching her hands until Zhen Xi’s voice brought her back. Seeing the excitement beneath Zhen Xi’s hatred, she relaxed into a smile. Since it had come to this, she would destroy Yue Rongrong.

"Sister Hanzhen, what do you plan to do?" Zhen Xi’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

Ren Hanzhen’s eyes reddened, adopting a pitiful, sorrowful look. She gazed at Zhen Xi and said, "Yue Rongrong has gone too far. No matter how kind and forgiving I am, she insists on targeting me, scheming against me repeatedly, setting me up. I even hid in the palace, yet she still won’t let me go."

Zhen Xi tightened her fists. "That’s just how she is! She can’t stand others doing better than her."

Ren Hanzhen said solemnly, "Then let’s teach her a lesson and let her taste defeat."

"Sister, tell me what to do," Zhen Xi said resolutely.

Ren Hanzhen leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Yesterday, I went to the mine prison. I never imagined…"

＊＊

Yue Rongrong had been avoiding Shen Jichen these past few days, afraid that seeing her would upset him and worsen his condition. Early this morning, as she was about to leave her room, she heard a deep, rich voice. Startled, she turned back into the room and slammed hard against the door with a loud bang. The pain nearly made her cry out, but she quickly covered her mouth.

Shen Jichen heard the noise and took a couple of steps toward her room when He Minxuan’s boisterous voice rang out in the courtyard.

"Piao Yao! You’re up and about!"

Han Zixian said, "Piao Yao didn’t injure his legs!"

Zheng Xuchao teased, "He thinks everyone is like him, needing to lie in bed for ten days or half a month over a sprained ankle!"

"Who’s lying in bed for that long! Yu Bai, what are you looking at?"

Xue Yubai snapped back to attention, shifting his gaze from Yue Rongrong’s room just in time to meet Shen Jichen’s annoyed look. He smiled calmly. "You still don’t look too well today."

Shen Jichen snorted irritably. "I’m fine. Stop visiting so often."

He Minxuan chuckled. "We come to check on you, and we’re still unwelcome."

Zheng Xuchao leaned in and whispered, "It’s not us who’s the bother."

He Minxuan caught on and glanced at Xue Yubai, who kept a straight face.

Yue Rongrong pressed against the door, able to hear Shen Jichen’s voice not far from her room. After a while, a servant announced that snacks were ready and invited the guests to the sitting room.

Then came He Minxuan’s joyful voice. Every time he visited, Yue Rongrong could sense his great joy. She pursed her lips unhappily—coming to visit a sick person and being so cheerful, weren’t they afraid the host would kick them out?

"Piao Yao! What are you standing there for? Come over."

Yue Rongrong’s heart suddenly leaped. He was still there… Her heart raced, and she felt her mouth go dry. She clenched her fingers, wondering if she should go out…

"Piao Yao?"

Yue Rongrong’s heart jumped again at the urging voice. She took two steps toward the door when she heard Shen Jichen’s footsteps leaving. She paused, feeling a wave of relief, but it was quickly followed by a sense of loss.

She stood blankly by the door for a moment. Since she had already decided to leave, any further action was futile and unnecessary. Don’t overthink it, she told herself. Regulating her emotions, she left her room, exited the main courtyard through another door, and headed to the main kitchen. As usual, she went to prepare his medicine. The kitchen maids all smiled when they saw her.

"Miss, here to make medicine for the Marquis again! The medicine you brew is as good as a miracle cure for him!"

Yue Rongrong was used to their teasing and didn’t mind, responding with a light laugh before turning to prepare the medicine.

A young maid advised, "Miss, you really don’t need to handle these things yourself. We servants can take care of it."

Yue Rongrong smiled. "It’s fine. I have nothing else to do anyway. Idle time is idle time."

"You little girl don't even have a sweetheart, what do you know."

Yue Rongrong's cheeks flushed pink, and she shot the cook a reproachful glance: "Auntie Zeng, there's not a single proper word coming out of your mouth!" She turned away, ignoring her, and propped her chin while fanning herself.

Everyone laughed.

Just as the medicine was almost ready, Hui Yin and Gu Yu arrived, helping to pour it out, afraid it might scald Yue Rongrong's hands.

"Take this to the Marquis," Yue Rongrong instructed.

Hui Yin was about to leave but turned back and whispered: "Miss, Lady Meng is here."

She spoke softly, but her words still reached the ears of the cooks. In an instant, the previously harmonious kitchen went quiet.

Even this silence reminded Yue Rongrong that Meng Jiayan was different—a truth everyone understood.

Yue Rongrong knew it well too: Meng Jiayan was the Grand Princess's chosen daughter-in-law, Shen Jichen's future principal wife.

Though she understood, she couldn't help but say: "Take the medicine to him, have him drink it while it's hot."

Hui Yin's eyes lit up: "Yes!"

But before she could step out, Yue Rongrong called her back: "Forget it, let him drink it whenever he wants." With that, she left.

Gu Yu looked puzzled at Hui Yin: "What did Miss mean? She seemed rather upset."

Hui Yin smiled and asked Gu Yu to accompany Yue Rongrong while she went to deliver the medicine.

In the sitting room, besides He Minxuan and the others, Meng Jiayan was also seated. Well-traveled and well-read from accompanying her grandfather to many places since childhood, she could always hold her own in their conversations with ease and composure.

He Minxuan actually thought that if not for Yue Rongrong, Meng Jiayan would truly be the best match for Piao Yao. The shame of it was—no matter how suitable, Piao Yao's eyes were only for Yue Rongrong.

Just then, Hui Yin entered carrying the medicine tray in. She bowed to everyone, placed the medicine bowl in front of Shen Jichen, and said: "Marquis, your medicine is ready."

Then she stood still.

He Minxuan raised an eyebrow at Hui Yin, who showed no intention of leaving: "Aren't you leaving?"

Hui Yin said matter-of-factly: "The Marquis hasn't drunk the medicine yet."

Everyone present was slightly surprised and couldn't help but look at Hui Yin. Though her heart was hammering, she straightened her back.

He Minxuan found it unbelievable: "Are you going to watch your Marquis take his medicine? Piao Yao, are the maids in your household this bold now?"

Hui Yin replied without changing expression: "Replying to Lord He, this servant is following orders. Miss Yue Rongrong said the medicine must be taken while hot, or it will lose its effectiveness." When she mentioned "Miss Yue Rongrong," her gaze deliberately fell on Meng Jiayan.

Xue Yubai, Han Zixian, and Zheng Xuchao all noticed it, and surprisingly, so did He Minxuan. Meng Jiayan, however, seemed completely unaware, sipping her tea calmly.

Shen Jichen didn't say anything but picked up the medicine bowl. His slender fingers rested on the rim, exuding an air of noble elegance.

Meng Jiayan's composed expression, however, faltered slightly when Shen Jichen lifted the bowl.

He Minxuan leaned in with a sarcastic remark: "No wonder she's so bold—she's got backing."

At these words, Meng Jiayan's expression tightened again. Seeing the others' unfazed reactions, her heart sank. It seemed Yue Rongrong was not the minor threat she had imagined.

Hui Yin hurriedly bowed: "You jest, Lord He, this servant wouldn't dare."

She picked up the empty medicine bowl and said respectfully: "Marquis, this servant will take her leave."

Shen Jichen responded indifferently.

Once outside the sitting room, Hui Yin slumped against the wall, feeling as if all her strength had drained away, her legs trembling.

"I thought you were really that brave, but you're just all bark and no bite after all." A teasing voice came from above.

Hui Yin started, looked up, and quickly stood straight, muttering: "I just wanted to see what standing Miss Yue Rongrong has in the Marquis's heart."

Wen Song sneered: "Just because of a Lady Meng, you're testing the Marquis's loyalty? You should be testing your Miss instead."

Hui Yin watched Wen Song walk away, stood silently for a moment, and then left as well.

That evening, Hui Yin took the medicine to the study as usual, but Shen Jichen didn't even glance at it. This time, Hui Yin didn't dare push as she had during the day and quietly withdrew. She peeked in and saw that Shen Jichen still hadn't moved. She shot Wen Song a meaningful look, but Wen Song pretended not to see.

Hui Yin glared at him and waited outside a while longer. Seeing that Shen Jichen still hadn't moved, a thought suddenly occurred to her, and she hurried back to the main residence.

"Miss! Something's wrong!"

Yue Rongrong was staring blankly out the window and asked distractedly: "Oh, what's wrong?"

"The Marquis refuses to take his medicine!"

Yue Rongrong sat up straight instantly, staring at Hui Yin: "What do you mean, refuses to take his medicine?"

Hui Yin said: "He's been working and hasn't so much as touched it."

Yue Rongrong said anxiously: "Why didn't you urge him?"

Hui Yin said: "I'm just a little maid. The Marquis is the master. What maid would dare urge her master? I wouldn't dare."

Yue Rongrong shot her a frustrated look and frowned: "The physician said this medicine must be taken on time. If it's past the hour and the medicine cools, the previous doses will have been wasted."

Before she even finished speaking, she saw Yue Rongrong stand up, holding her skirt, and went running off in her slippers.

She stopped at the study door, catching her breath as she peeked inside. She could see Wen Song standing by the desk. From this angle, she could only see one of Shen Jichen's arms. She stood on tiptoe to look and indeed saw what seemed to be a dark shadow in the bowl. Just then, Wen Song glanced over meaningfully, and she tried to catch his eye.

Wen Song pretended not to understand.

Yue Rongrong pointed at the medicine bowl again, but Wen Song still didn't understand. Infuriated, Yue Rongrong lifted her skirt and walked straight in. Shen Jichen looked up at the sound and watched her with calm amusement.

She felt the temperature of the medicine bowl—thankfully, it wasn't cold yet. She turned her face away, picked up the medicine, and pushed it toward him: "Time to take your medicine."

Shen Jichen set aside the document in his hand and stared fixedly at her, saying in a deep voice: "Turn your face back."

"You said you didn't want to see me. I was afraid you'd get angry if you saw me."

Shen Jichen gave an exasperated laugh: "Am I the one who's angry, or are you?"

Yue Rongrong immediately turned to face him, looking at him seriously: "You're angry. You don't even want to see me, you had Wen Song make me leave, you didn't even want to talk to me, you couldn't be bothered to tell me to leave yourself." Suddenly she felt wronged, her nose stung, and her eyes grew hot. Only then did she realize—had she been angry all this time too? She had always thought she was understanding.

"Come here," Shen Jichen commanded intently, his voice low.

She didn't move.

Shen Jichen said patiently: "My arm won't reach. It's too far."

Yue Rongrong looked at Wen Song, who hurriedly said: "Marquis, I just remembered another duty to attend to. I'll go take care of it now." With that, he ran off.

Yue Rongrong took a deep breath, gritted her teeth, and had no choice but to walk around the desk. Shen Jichen took the medicine bowl from her hand, while his other hand suddenly grasped hers and gave a sharp tug, causing her to instantly tumble into his arms.

Her ears flushed hot, and she tried to get up, but Shen Jichen wrapped his arm around her waist, lowered his head, and murmured, "It hurts..."

Yue Rongrong stiffened and hurriedly bent down to fret over his robes. "Did I bump your wound? Has it reopened?"

Shen Jichen murmured, "As long as you don’t move, I won’t hurt."

Yue Rongrong froze for a moment, wanting to hit him, but her raised hand wouldn't come down. She looked at him, her eyes reddening, and turned her face away. Shen Jichen caught sight of a tear sliding down her cheek and suddenly felt a pang of panic. He raised his hand and gently brushed her soft, smooth face.

"Don’t cry. That night was my fault. I shouldn’t have been harsh with you." In the end, he couldn’t hold out against her. He had wanted to anger her, to ignore her, but he always fell short.

Hearing these words, all of Yue Rongrong’s bitterness welled up in her heart. That night, it was clearly her fault... She lowered her head, and tears streamed down like pouring down. She searched for a handkerchief, realized she hadn’t brought one, and ended up wiping her tears on Shen Jichen's sleeve.

Shen Jichen let her, an indulgent smile in his eyes. He lifted Yue Rongrong’s face—those eyes, tear-brightened, were the brightest stars in the world. He gazed at her with tender helplessness. "Rong Rong, you still care about me, don’t you?"

But before she could answer, he buried his face in the curve of her neck and held her tightly. "Rong Rong, promise me you won’t leave me."

Yue Rongrong felt a warm drop fall into her collar, searing her heart and causing a sharp pang. She said, "Yes."

She knew she was deceiving him because she couldn’t stay—whether because of Qu Lieshan, the Grand Princess, or Meng Jiayan. From this word "yes," she had already found a reasonable excuse for her actions: everything was to avoid unnecessary complications.

But then she heard Shen Jichen sigh, his body instantly relaxing. His warm lips pressed against her neck, gently sucking and wandering, gradually moving downward. Her breathing hitched, and she pressed her hand against his, which was tugging at her belt. "Your injury..."

"It’s fine."

Just as Shen Jichen was about to go further, he keenly detected the sound of hurried footsteps. His movements paused slightly, and he slowly raised his head, his expression changing. Calmly, he helped Yue Rongrong adjust her partially undone robes and fastened her belt again before helping her to her feet.

Yue Rongrong was still disoriented.

Then she heard him say in a deep voice, "Come in."

Only then did Yue Rongrong see Wen Song walk in with a grave expression. He glanced at her instinctively—her face was still flushed. Shen Jichen held her hand and said gently, "Go back to your room first."

Yue Rongrong nodded. Catching sight of the medicine on the table, she hurriedly said, "Your medicine..."

Shen Jichen smiled. "I’ll drink it right away."

But as soon as Yue Rongrong left, the smile vanished from his face. "Speak."

Wen Song hesitated for a moment. "Word came from the mine prison: five days ago, Qu Lieshan accidentally fell off a cliff while quarrying stones. He hasn’t been found yet."

Shen Jichen’s face darkened instantly, his eyes freezing over. With a "smack," he suddenly swept the medicine bowl aside, and the liquid splashed onto his robes.

Wen Song dared not even breathe.

"Search! I want to find him—alive or dead." Shen Jichen bit back his rage, his voice icy and terrifying in the night.